Thursday, January 16, 2014

5 Foods To Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a serious health condition for 67 million adults in the United States. That's one in every three adults. In addition, another 30 percent are at risk for developing high blood pressure. This is a condition called pre-hypertension. Untreated, it can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Early diagnosis is extremely important to prevent the disease from causing serious complications. But diet is also very important.
Here are 5 foods you should never eat if you have been diagnosed with either high blood pressure or pre-hypertension. Why? Because they are loaded with sodium and sugar which can increase blood pressure even more.

#1 - Processed meats - meats such as ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs and luncheon meats are processed with salt as well as chemicals used for preserving and should be avoided.

#3 - Canned vegetables - vegetables and vegetable juices have a long shelf life for a reason; they are full of sodium and preservatives. Here's one example: there are 730 milligrams of sodium in one can of creamed corn.

#4 - Canned soups - you will also find an exorbitant amount of sodium in canned soups and bouillon, as much as 1,800 milligrams in an entire can. Making your own soup is a much better alternative and not difficult.

#5 - Canned tomatoes - tomatoes are good for you, but not when they come out of a can. There are 680 milligrams of sodium in just one cup of tomato juice, and 1,300 milligrams in just one serving of canned spaghetti with meat sauce.

Alternatives to these sugar and salt-laden food products is to make your own or purchase salt-free or fresh products. Prepared foods may taste good but are not worth the risk of raising your blood pressure even more.

DISCLAIMER: The content or opinions expressed on this web site are not to be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or medical practitioner before utilizing any suggestions on this web site.